05/01/2024
🌿Balsam Poplar🌿
Also known as Balm of Gilead or Black Cottonwood, is an herb ready for gathering in the winter and early spring. Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera, P. trichocarpa) trees produce leaf buds in the winter and spring. They can be collected then used within two days of gathering in a fresh herb preparation or promptly and thoroughly dried for later use as a dried herb preparation.
So what is it used for?
Balsam Poplar buds can be made into a salve or balm used topically to prevent inflammation, work as a vasodilator, an antimicrobial and promotes skin proliferation. This is due to aromatic resins and salicylates which are relatives of Aspirin.
The salve or balm can be a helpful therapy for dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. When combined in equal parts with St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) it can be a noteworthy treatment for hemorrhoids. Europeans and Native Americans have traditionally used Balm of Gilead to assist in the healing and pain relief of burns. Try combining chickweed (Stellaria media) with your balsam poplar to increase the benefits of the topical application!
The tincture can be useful for sore throats, reducing symptoms of chronic bronchitis and is a worthy therapy for chest colds. First it works by increasing the body’s natural mucus secretions that ease a hot, dry and painful respiratory tract. Later it increases the coughs productivity by softening stuck phlegm, leading to its expectoration. And finally Balsam Poplar’s volatile gases are released during exhalation, in turn warding off microorganisms and decreasing the likelihood of a secondary infection. You may consider combining with Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) or White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) to enhance Balsam Poplar’s benefits for the respiratory system.
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Balsam Poplar! Sending you all midwinter blessings and happy wildcrafting🖤🌿✨
My sources: -Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore
-The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman
